Watercress is a leafy vegetable that grows in shallow streams. This aquatic vegetable’s botanical name is Nasturtium officinale, and it belongs to the cabbage family. It is therefore closely related to horseradish and mustards.
This plant is ancient and was touted to have medicinal powers and widely used by the Greeks, Persians and Romans. It was used to treat bad breath, blood disorders, insanity and even as a stimulant.
In England, however, they are used to treat scurvy and soldiers and sailors refer to watercress as a poor man’s food. It wasn’t until European immigrants introduced watercress to the North American that they got elevated to become a popular garnish.
The plant has small rounded green leaves, and the stems are hollow, which is why they float in the cool water. The entire plant is edible from stem to leaves.
Watercress Salad Serving Suggestions For dinner, it pairs nicely with this asparagus risotto, creamy mushroom polenta, or a bowl of potato leek soup. It also goes well with these pasta recipes: Tagliatelle with Asparagus and Peas. Cauliflower Pasta.
Why Is Watercress A Superfood?
Watercress was dubbed as the superfood of all time beating even the popular kale.
In 2014, researchers at William Paterson University put together a list of 41 “powerhouse fruits and vegetables” ranked by the amount of fibre, potassium, protein, calcium, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D, and other nutrients they contain.
The leafy green veggie topped the list with a perfect score of 100!
This extremely nutrient-dense plant helps with good bone health, weight loss, lowering heart disease, diabetes and cancer while also giving our immune system a natural boost.
Can Watercress Be Frozen?
You can freeze watercress, but if the intention is to eat them raw, I would advise against it. After thawing it will lose all its freshness and bounce.
If however, you’re going to put it in a soup or some cooked recipe, then it’s perfectly fine.
Watercress 101 – Everything You Need To Know
FAQ
What do you eat watercress with?
What are common uses for watercress?
Can you eat watercress by itself?
Should watercress be eaten raw or cooked?
What goes with watercress?
He pairs the watercress with the classic combination of sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese. At her eponymous restaurant in Vail, Colorado, chef Kelly Liken served these stellar dates with watercress and a balsamic gastrique. The recipe here swaps out the gastrique for a basic vinaigrette.
Does watercress contain magnesium?
Yes, 1 watercress flat dish has 37. 6 mg of magnesium, which corresponds to 10% of the daily need for this nutrient. Watercress is also rich in fiber and other vitamins and minerals.
What to eat with watercress sauce?
A classic watercress sauce is an absolute must have in any cook’s repertoire. Perfect with grilled fish and meat, eggs, or grilled vegetables, this versatile sauce can be served alongside almost any meal.
What to eat with Watercress Salad?
Add salmon. A cooked salmon fillet or even a few slices of smoked salmon are a good partner to watercress salad. Top with scallops. Buttery seared scallops are also great with watercress. Not only will a few scallops turn this salad into a meal, but it will also feel totally impressive. Mix with farro (or other cooked grains).